Magnolia cylindrica (21/04/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to dappled shade
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 10m
Eventual Spread: 7m
Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Magnoliaceae
Magnolia cylindrica is a deciduous, large shrub or small tree with an upright rounded habit. Its dark green leaves are elliptic with entire margins, up to 14cm long and 6cm broad. These emerge bronze/ green and become yellow in autumn before they fall. Its silvery gray bark is smooth. Its white/ pale pink flowers are star shaped, up to 8cm across, emerge from silky buds and appear before its leaves. Its red fruit are up to 10cm long 5cm long. The roots of the plant are thick and fleshy which are close to the surface.
Magnolia cylindrica Flower (21/04/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Magnolia cylindrica, commonly known as the Huangshan Magnolia, is native to eastern China. This shrub is classified as vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The etymological root of the binomial name Magnolia was named after Pierre Magnol, a 17th century French botanist. Cylindrica is from the Latin meaning ‘cylindrical’.
The landscape architect may find Magnolia cylindrica useful as a large, flowering specimen shrub. It should be given a sheltered position.
Ecologically, Magnolia cylindrica flowers are attractive to nectar loving insects. Its seeds are attractive to some birds.
Magnolia cylindrica Bark (21/04/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Magnolia cylindrica prefers moist, fertile, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil, although it prefers acidic soils.
Magnolia cylindrica requires little maintenance. Care should be taken not to disturb the roots of this plant.